So, Wang Ci had no reason to oppose Liu Nianfeng being with Fengguang. On the contrary, she needed to find a way to dissolve the marriage arrangement that had been bestowed by His Majesty back when Fengguang was still in her womb.
Now, she had already come up with a plan. Wang Ci looked at Xia Chao and said, “Write a letter to Xuanyuan Fei. Tell him that if he wants to save Xia Wu… no, Leng Qingjue, then he must personally ask His Majesty to annul the engagement. And the reason for breaking it off must be his fault—no matter what, Fengguang’s reputation must not be damaged.”
“Alright, I’ll go write the letter right away.” Xia Chao fully agreed with Wang Ci. Since Xuanyuan Fei loved Leng Qingjue so deeply, they might as well be granted their wish and be together.
The couple had already figured out a way to cancel Fengguang’s engagement. Meanwhile, in the main hall, the servants had all been dismissed, leaving behind only an overly affectionate man and woman.
They didn’t think they were being overly affectionate… well, Fengguang did, but seeing how much Liu Nianfeng was enjoying himself, she felt too embarrassed to say so.
Liu Nianfeng said, “Once the Longevity Willow fully matures, your illness will never relapse again.”
“How long will that take?” Fengguang reached for another piece of dried plum, but he took the paper packet away, earning a glare from her.
He smiled. “You can only have this much each day. When you’re fully recovered, I’ll let you have more.”
She huffed and said nothing.
Liu Nianfeng stroked her head soothingly. “The Longevity Willow still needs three years to mature. So when your body recovers, that will also be the time for our wedding.”
In three years, she would have reached the age of adulthood.
“No…” She quickly shook her head. “I can’t get married so soon.”
“Why not?”
“I want to enjoy a few more years of freedom. How about we just date for a few more years first?” She grinned playfully, holding his hand and swaying it back and forth, looking utterly adorable.
He smiled, then said, “No.”
Now it was her turn to ask, “Why not?”
“Didn’t you say you wanted freedom?” He gently patted her head, a charming smile playing on his lips—almost like a fox. “Do you really think your parents would allow you to wander freely outside?”
Fengguang paused. “No.”
“Exactly. So the only way is for you to get married quickly. Once you do, they won’t be able to control you anymore.” Liu Nianfeng chuckled softly. “And I will take you anywhere you want to go.”
She was still a bit skeptical. “Are you sure… you won’t keep me confined in Shengxue Manor?”
“Of course not.”
How could it be called confinement? He would stay there with her, keep her company, play with her, and cook her favorite foods. That was simply taking care of her.
Fengguang didn’t know what he was thinking. To her, his promise was all that mattered. She quickly smiled and said, “Alright then—once I come of age, I’ll marry you.”
Liu Nianfeng lifted his hand and gently caressed her cheek. “Fengguang really is such a good girl.”
Look at her—so easy to coax. If he weren’t around, who knew how many times she might have been tricked and sold off already?
That was why he had to keep a constant eye on her, never leaving her side.
When it was time for dinner and Fengguang still hadn’t shown up in the dining hall, Xia Chao—who rarely had the chance to dine with Wang Ci—finally went to the main hall to look for them after waiting for a long time, prompted by a glance from Wang Ci.
But the hall was empty. The only thing left was a note on the table.
“Father-in-law, Mother-in-law, Fengguang is not in good health, so I have taken her back first.”
Back?
Back where?
Wasn’t the prince’s residence Fengguang’s home?
Xia Chao crushed the note in his hand, furious. Sure enough, it would be best to just kill that man with a single sword strike!
…Provided he could actually defeat him.
Lucien On ABRWF Chapter 34.1